Notes on the Birds of the States of Pernambuco and Paraiba, Brazil

Home , Alagoas, Brazil, Paraiba, Pernambuco

Vol.1948 651.[ LAMM,Birds of Pernambuco andParaiba, Brazil 261

NOTES ON THE BIRDS OF THE STATES OF PERNAMBUCO AND PARAIBA, BRAZIL

BY DONALD W. LAM•I Is their 'Birds of Lower Amazonia,' Griscomand Greenway (Bull. Mus. Comp. Zo61.,88, 1941) refer to this regionas a "neglectedcorner of Brazil," a statement borne out by the number of new forms and ex- tensionsof range in the small collectionmade by the author.z It is for this reasonthat the writer ventures to submit the following field notes and observations on birds encountered in the area. The city of Recife,where the writer was located,is in the state of Pernambuco,on the coast,about eight degreesbelow the equator, and almost at the apex of the 'bulge' of northeasternBrazil. The rainy seasonin this region commencesabout March and lasts until the end of August. The climate is moderatethroughout the year, but somewhat coolerduring the rainy season. Mean temperature is 82 de- greesFahrenheit. The lowestrecorded temperature is 52 degreesand the highest 103 degrees,but the normal variation is between 70 and 95 degrees. This region offers a number of varied habitats within closeproximity to one another. Of these, the ocean and beach are the least profitable for the bird observer. Pelagic speciesare rarely seen,and their appearancesare almost exclusivelyconfined to the months of April and May whenoccasional birds are blownin by storms. Frigate Birds, Brown Boobies and Brazilian Cormorants have been noted, as well as a petrel tentatively identifiedas the Trinidad Petrel (not in- cluded in the following list). Shore birds are fairly commonon the beach in season. Immediatelybehind the beachis a fringe of coconutpalms, stretch- ing inland for about half a mile. Most of this regionis inhabited, and there is somecultivation, principally of mandioca. Certain tanagers, flycatchers,the bananaquit, hummingbirds,parrakeets and the house wren are most common in this section. Severalsmall rivers empty into the oceanin the vicinity of Recife, usually borderedby fairly extensivemangrove swamps. There are also a number of small fresh-water marshes. The latter particularly supportan abundanceof aquaticspecies, including rails, herons,kingfishers,ducks, gallinules, a grebeand numerousmigrant shorebirds. Further inland there is a large area of semi-opencountry, someof which is planted with mandioca and other crops. Seedeaters,fly-

• Two new forms described by Dr. J. T. Zimmer in the Proceedings of the Biological SOciety of Washington, 60: 99-10•. 1947. 262 L•, Birdsof Pernambuco andParaiba, Brazil tApril[Auk catchers,anis, guiras, tanagers and doves are the most conspicuous birds of this section. Isolated wooded patches are scattered about this semi-opencountry, usually on the tops of small hills. They sup- port an entirely different type of bird life, includingnumerous small jungle flycatchers, honey-creepers,antbirds, manakins, tinamous and woodhewers. A number of trips have been made to a jungle area near the town of Goiana, about forty miles north of Recife. Such species as cotingasand ara•aris were found primarily in this area. The interior of the statesof Pernambucoand Paraiba is usually arid, and is known as the Sert5o. The terrain is frequently rocky and the flora consistslargely of cactus and low brush with some densehigh thickets and occasionallight woods. This regionsupports a number of speciesnot found on the coast, such as the rico-ricoand the seriema. The most prevalent Sert5o birds include Brazilian Cardinals, several speciesof doves, mockingbirds,orioles and the omnipresentvultures and caracaras. Over a period of more than four years, the writer has spent approxi- mately 450 hours in the field. At various times he has been accom- paniedby LieutenantE. Pfeiffer(U.S. Marine Corps),Lieutena•t DonaldAlexander (U.S. Army), CaptainFrank Connor(U.S. Army), LieutenantGeorge Cummings (Brazilian Air Force) and Mark Taylor (Rubber DevelopmentCorporation), whose able assistancehas made this paper possible. Much welcomeaid and encouragementhas also been supplied by Dr. Herbert Friedmann, Curator of Birds at the U.S. National Museum, who has struggled with poorly worded de- scriptionsand badly damagedspecimens. The followinglist is by no meanscomplete for the region, as only those speciesobserved and definitely identified by the writer are in- cluded. Data for the coastalregion are fairly representative,although somespecies, such as Trogonvariegatus, which are known to occur in this part of Brazil, have not been seen. Material on the interior is necessarilyvery incomplete,since it is basedprincipally on occasional trips. The rltea,for example,is not uncommonin centralPernambuco, but I have never encountered it. Certain material has also been de- leted from the paper becauseof lack of corroborative specimens.

TINAMIDAE. Tinamous. Crypturellussoul albigularis(Brabourne and Chubb).--Fairly common in heavy jungle at Goiana. Also at S5o Caetano in high brush country about 100 miles inland. Crypturellusparvirostris (Wagler).--One was shot in rolling grass- lands at S5o Lorenzo, about fifteen miles west of Recife. The species was later found to be fairly common in this section. Vol.1948 65]I LAam,Birds of Pernambuco andParaiba, Brazil 268

Rhynchotusrufescens rufescens (Temminek).--Oeeasionally seen in open fields around Recife. Not uncommon in the grasslandsat S•o Lorenzo,where it is usuallyhunted with dogs. Nothura maculosacearensis Naumburg.--One was collected near Campina Grande, Paraiba, at an elevationof about 2,000 feet. Italf- grown birds were found near S•o Lorenzoon August 4, 1945.

COLYMBIDAE. Grebes. Podilymbuspodiceps antarcticus (Lesson).--Fairly commonon fresh- water lakes throughout both states.

Su•mAE. Boobies $ula leucogaslerle•cogasler (Boddaert).--Uncommon. Two were seenoff the reef at Recife in March, 1943. Any other appearancesof this conspicuousspecies could hardly have been overlooked.'

PHALACROCORACIDAE. Cormorants _Phalacrocoraxolivace•s oilyace,s (Humboldt).--Not common. Sev- eral were seen about a mile offshore in March, 1943.

FREGA•rm•E. Frigate Birds Fregatamagnificens rothschildi Mathews.--Frigate Birds, presuma- bly of this species,were seenin April, 1943, and severaltimes in May, 1944, always moving southward.

ARDEIDAE. Herons Ardea cocoiLinnaeus.--Apparently rather uncommon near Recife. One was seen at a distance deep in a brackish marsh on October 15, 1944; another at closerange in a mangrove swamp, December, 1945. Butoridesstriatus stria•us (Linnaeus).--Very commonin both mangrove and fresh-water swamps. One was seen carrying nesting material on April 23, 1944. It was also observed at Patos, Paraiba, at a small lake about 160miles inland, and at other interior lakes and ponds. Florida caerulea'(Linnaeus).--Fairly common in both fresh-water and mangrove swamps. One was seen at Patos, Paraiba. Casmerodiusalbus egretta(Gmelin).--Common, principally in the mangrove swamps. A small flock was found at Patos, Paraiba. Nycticorax nycticoraxhoactli (Gmelin).--A roost of five birds was found on the wooded shore of a large pond 200 miles inland, near Pombal, Paraiba. Ixobrychusexilis erythromelas(Vieillot).--Only seentwice, on both occasions in a fresh-water marsh close to Recife. 264 LA•, BirdsofPernambuco andParaiba, Brazil [AprilfAuk

Botauruspinnatus (Wagler).--Fairly common,and noted regularly in one large brackish swamp. Some of these occurrences,however, doubtlessrepresent repeats.

ANATIDAE. Ducks Dendrocygnaviduata (Linnaeus).--Large flocksare to be seenin the brackish marshes from the middle of September to April. These flocksbreak up and the birdsbecome more widespread during the rainy season. A nest containingeleven eggsin a fairly advancedstage of incubationwas found at the edgeof the swampon September17, 1944. These duckswere fairly commonat Paros, Paraiba, on August 13, 1944. Dendrocygnaautumnalis discolorSclater and Salvin.--Uncommon near the coast, but about 4,000 were seen at the lake at Candado in western Paraiba, October, 1945. Sarkidiornis carunculata(Lichtenstein).--About 40 or 50 were seen amongsome thousands of tree duckson alarge artificiallake (Candado) in western Paraiba near Pombal. Anas brasiliensis(Gmelin).--Common in both fresh and brackish marshes,usually in small flocks and normally not dosely associated with other species. Noraonyxdominicus (Linnaeus).--This species was f6und to be fairly common in a fresh-water swamp, heavily overgrown with weeds, at Campo Grande, about 40 miles west of Recife, in June, 1944.

CarltaRrIDa•. American Vultures Coragyps atratus foetens (Lichtenstein).--The Black Vulture is abundant and very tame. It is the principal scavengerin the city of Recife and throughoutthe coastalarea, but is somewhatless common in the interior. Cathartesaura ruficollisSpix.--Very commonthroughout the region, but somewhat less so than the Black Vulture, which, however, it out- numbers in the interior.

ACCIPITRIDAE. Hawks, Kites, etc. Elanus leucurusleucurus (Vieillot).--Seen on four or five occasions, usually over semi-opencountry. Harpagus bidentatusbidentatus (Latham).--One was shot in dense jungle at Goiana in October, 1945. Apparently not common. I-Ieterospiziasraeridionalis raeridionalis (Latham).--Noted on several occasionsin the interior in rolling country which was well watered. Vol.191a 65]I LAMM,Birds of Pernambuco andParaiba, Braail 265

Buteo magnirostrisnattereri (Sclater and Salvin).--Common and widely distributed throughout the coastal area, but principally in the palm fringe near the ocean. Also fairly common in the Sert•lo. A nest was found in a caju tree about 15 feet abovethe ground. It containedone egg on January1, 1947. Asturina nitida nitida (Latham).--One of these hawks was observed on a number of occasions,always in the same high tree in thick jungle south of Recife. Hypomorphnusurubitinga urubitinga (Omelin).--Fairly common. Frequently seen soaring with the vultures, usually in the vicinity of water. It was reported by a reliable sourceto attack chickens. Also seen at Paros, Paraiba, in August, 1944.

FtLCoNIDAI•. Falcons Herpetotherescachinnans queribundus Bangs and Penard.--One was seen in a sparsely wooded zone near Aguas Belas, in south-central Pernambuco,January, t945. Polyborus plancus brasiliensis (Gmelin).--A widely distributed species,common in the palm fringe and somewhatless so in the interior. Gampsonyxswainsonii swainsonii Vigors.--A small sluggishhawk. Apparently not common. It was seen on two occasionssitting on telegraph polesnear the air field at Recife. Falco sparveriuseidos Peters.--Fairly common throughout the interior and noted even in the most arid sections. Also occasional in grasslandsnear the coast.

RALLIDAt•. Rails Rallus longirostriscrassirostris Lawrence.--Five of these large rails were found in a small sectionof grassymarsh on January 16, 1944. In view of their readinessto take wing instead of skulking when ap- proached, it is consideredpossible that the birds might be migrants. They were noted again in the same marsh on January 21, 1945. Porzanaalbicollis albicollis (Vieillot).--Easily the commonestspecies of rail in the region. A femaletaken in August, 1943,had in the ovary two eggs complete except for shells. One was noted with a downy chick on March 25, 1945. Porzana fiaviventerfiaviventer (Boddaert).--Seen occasionallyin fresh-water marshes. Laterallus melanophaiusmelanophaius (Vieillot).--Found on three occasions,twice in a small fresh-water marsh and the other time along a stream bank. A female with ovaries fairly well developed was taken on December 5, 1943. 266 •,AMM.Birds of Pernambuco andParaiba, Brazil tAoril[Auk

Gallinulachloropus galeata (Lichtenstein).--Faidy commonin fresh and brackish swamps about Recife, but noted more often in the interior. One small chick was found on October 13, 1943. Downy chicksa day or two old were noted at Paros, Paraiba, on August 13, 1944. Porphyrula martinica (Linnaeus).--Faidy common at Campo Grande on June 25, 1944. A number were seenin fresh-watermarshes near Recife on August 20, 1944. This specieshas not been observed near Recife during the dry season.

CARIA•IDA•. Seriemas Cariama cristata (Linnaeus).--This speciesis confined to the arid interior, where it is not uncommonor particularly wary. Seen frequently along the road in westernPernambuco.

JACANIDAE. Jaganas Jacanaspinosa jacana (Linnaeus).--Very commonin all swampand marshy sectionsin the Retire area. Full-grown immature birds were noted on March 26, 1944. Fairly commonat Paros, Paraiba.

CHARADRIIDAE. Plovers Belonopteruschilensis cayennensis (Gmelin).--Fairly common near Recife in both fresh and salt-water swamps,but only noted during the dry season. Also common in the Sert•o, where every pond, however small, seemsto have at least one pair. Squatarolasquatarola (Linnaeus).--Two birds in winter plumage were found on a sand spit on May'21, 1944. These birds are fairly common winter residents. The earliest fall record is September 9, 1945. Charadriushiaticula semipalmatusBonaparte.--Flocks of 50 to 100 migrant shorebirds,including this and the preceding species,as well as Sanderlings,are often to be seenon the beachesin March and April. Exact fall dates are not available for this species,which appearsto be somewhat less common than C. wilsonia. Charadriuscollaris Vieillot.--This residentspecies is fairly common throughout the year, being found in the same areasas thosefrequented by the migrants and also further inland. A specimentaken on June 29, 1945, was approaching breeding condition. One was taken in August, 1944, at Paros, Paraiba, about 160 miles inland. Charadrius wilsonia wilsonia Ord.--Noted in mixed flocks from September23, 1945, throughout the winter. The latest spring date was supplied by a specimencollected on May 21, 1944. Compared Birdsof Pernambuco andParaiba, Brazil 267 with North Americanspecimens this bird is nearestto typical wilsonia, but has the white frontal band narrower but not so narrow as in beldingi. Further material should be of interest.

Sco•o•,AcmA•. Sandpipers Numenius plmeopushudsonicus Latham.--A fairly common species in the tide-water mangrove swamps throughout the winter, but it is very shy. The earliestfall date is September23, 1945. Tringafiavipes(Gmelin).--Fairly common. Noted from November 14 through April 15 in brackish and fresh-water marshes. Tringa mdanoleuca(Gmelin).--Three were shot out of a flock in a mangrove swamp close to the ocean on January 2, 1944. Lesser Yellow-legsand dowitcherswere alsopresent in the immediate vicinity. Tringa solitaria cinnamomea (Brewster).--Common from early November to the middle of April, principally in fresh-water marshes. One collectedApril 16, 1944, was in breedingplumage. This species was very common along a small stream in the arid interior near S•o Caetano on February 26, 1946. Actitis macularia (Linnaeus).--One was shot along the bank of the Paraiba River near Jo•o Pessoa on October 11, 1943. Others were notedin January and February. Arenaria interpresmorindla (Linnaeus).--Two small groupsof three and four birds, respectively, were noted in a tide-water mangrove swamp on September 23, 1945. A flock of about 20 birds was seen close to the Pernambuco-Alagoas border on October 11, 1946. Limnodromusgriseus griseus (Gmelin).--Three birds were collected on January 2, 1944, out of a flock which alsocontained Lesser Yellow- legs. They were found in a swampylake, surroundedby mangroves, dose to the ocean. Capdla paraguaiaeparaguaiae (Vieillot).--Common throughoutthe year in both salt and fresh-water swamps. A female in breedingcondition was shot June 4, 1945. , Capella undulata gigantea (Temminek).--Uncommon. Only two birds were seen---onecollected July 16, 1943, and the other September 15, 1943, both in a small fresh-water marsh close to the Recife airfield. Local hunters confirm that this speciesis seenvery infrequently. Crocethia'alba (Pallas).--Common along the ocean beachesduring migration,particularly in April. The latest springrecord is May 21, 1944, and the earliestfall appearance,August 25, 1944. Frequently found in flocks with Semipalmated and Wilson's Plovers. Ereunetespusillus (Linnaeus).--One was shot and four otherswere seen along the coast closeto the Pernambuco-Alagoasborder on Otto- 268 LAMM,Birds ofPernambuco andParaiba, Brazil [Auk[April ber 11, 1946. An injured bird was found on the beach at Recife, December 18, 1946. Erolia minutilla (Vieillot).--Common in brackish marshesfrom late September through the middle of March.

LARIDAE. Gulls and Terns

Sterna hirundo hirundo Linnaeus.--One was collected out of a flock of 64 migrant terns, most of which were referableto this species. The flock appeared on October 8, 1944, and remained for several days fishingoff the reef near Recife. Sterna superciliarisVieillot.--One was seen hovering over a small lake between Patos and Soledare in central Paraiba on October 18, 1945. Thalasseussandvicensis acuflavida (Cabot).--A few terns in the above-mentionedflock were identifiedby sight as beingof this species.

COLUMBIDAE. Pigeons Zetaida auriculata noronha(Chubb).--Several small flockswere observedat Patos,Paraiba, in the high Sert•o on August13, 1944. Very common on the Pernambuco-Paraiba border about 150 miles inland in October, 1945. Local sources state that enormous flocks of this dove are present in the Sert•o during August and September. Scardafellasquammata squammata (Lesson).--Common in the palm fringe, although less so than passerina. A nest with two young was found in a palm tree on May 21, 1944. This speciesis abundant throughout the dry interior. Columbigallinapasserina griseola Spix.--Very commonin the palm fringe and abundant in open fields. Also commonin parts of the interior. Nests were found, usually on the ground, throughout the dry season,from the middleof Septemberuntil the end of April. One was discoveredon August 4, 1945, during the rainy season,containing two eggs. The nests were constructedof dried grass, and, though rather untidy, were better made than is usualin this genus. All but one were found on the ground. The exceptionwas rather crudely built with dried reeds, and was in a crotch of a fallen branch about a foot above the water in a marsh. In no instance did the number of eggsexceed two. A nest locatedon November 2, 1943, containedone eggand oneyoung bird, evidentlyvery recentlyhatched. It was 11• incheslong and sparselycovered with buff-coloreddown. Columbigallinatalpacoti talpacoti (Temminck).--This handsome speciesis fairly common,usually noted in open fields along the coast. Vol.1948 65]J LAMM,Birds of Pernambuco andParaiba, Brazil 969

Leptotila verreauxi'approx•mans (Cory).--A male with testes enlarged was collected at Paros, Paraiba, in August, 1944. Not very commonat $/Io Caetanoin highbrush country, February, 1946. This specieswas also found to be fairly commonin a narrowstretch of high brush country near the oceanin the vicinity of Retire.

PSITTACIDAI•. Parrots ,4ralinga janday• (Gmelin).--These striking parakeets were fairly commonin the palm fringe, usually in small flockscontaining a dozen birds or less. Aratinga cactorumceixana $pix.--Found only in the arid interior, where it is very commonfrom Rio Braneo (130 miles inland), Pernam- buco,westward. Usually in groupsof two to eight birds. Aratinga aurea aurea (Gmelin).--Common in semi-opencountry where there are sufficient trees to act as cover. Occasionallyoccurs in large flocks. Neither this nor A ratinga jandaya were noted in the Sert&o. Forpuspasserinus vividus (Ridgway).--This small parrotlet is fairly commonin the semi-opencountry and somewhatless so in the palm fringe. It is always in flocksexcept during the breedingseason. It was seen a number of times in the interior. Amazona aestivaaestiva (Linnaeus).--Observed on four or five occasionsin woodedareas in the interior,principally near the S&oFrancisco River in southern Pernambuco.

CUCULIDAI•. Cuckoos Piaya cayana pallescens(Cabanis and Heine).--Fairly commonin brushy sections;also observedinfrequently in jungle. Crotophagaani Linnaeus.--A very common bird throughout the coastalzone. It is found in all types of terrain exceptjungle, but appearsto prefer openfields and semi-marshysections. Not uncommon in the interior. Half-grown young were noted near Recife on July 16, 1944, still being fed by the parents. Guira guira (Gmelin).--Only slightly lesscommon than the ani, and frequents the same type of terrain, although it showsmore preference for brushy sections. The flocks are very sedentary, sometimesre- maining for months in one field.

TYTONIDAI•. Barn Owls Tyto alba tuidara (J. E. Gray).--Two young about 16 days old were found in the belfry of an old church near the Reeife airfield on August 26, 1945. 2r•0 LAMM,Birds of Pernambuco andParaiba, Brazil [AuktApril

CAPRIMULGIDAE. Goatsuckers Chordeilespusillus pusillus Gould.--A large percentageof the night- hawks observedin this region are apparently of this species. Speci- mens were collected on several occasions,including one at Patos, Paraiba, in August, 1944. Podagernacunda nacunda (Vieillot).--Definitely identified several times. One wasshot out of a large scatteredgroup in a marshysection in opensavannah country about 40 miles west of Recife. Hydropsalisbraziliana brasiliana (Gmelin).--Only identified once, when one bird was shot out of fifteen or twenty present on the airfield on September i1, 1943. CYPSELIDAE. Swifts

Chaelura andrei rneridionalisHellmayr.---Swifts are not common in this region. The only specimencollected was referable to this species. Tmoc}In,IDAm. Hummingbirds Glaucis hirsula hirsuta (Gmelin).--Fairly common but irregularly distributed in junglesnear Recife. Not noted.at Goiana. Phaelhornistuber tuber (Linnaeus).--Found only in jungle where it is very commonand exceedinglyvocal. Mating display was observed in June, 1944, and 1945. This display consistedsolely of the male darting back and forth very rapidly a few inchesover the female. Eupetornenarnacroura sirnoni Hellmayr.--Fairly common in the palm fringeand in semi-opencountry; not uncommonat S•o Caetano. Melanotrochilus fuscus (Vieillot).--Rather uncommon. Several were seen at Escada (40 miles south of Recife) drinking from a water- fall in a low jungle sectionon November 25, 1944. Another was observed in jungle near Recife on January 27, 1945. Chrysolampismosquitus (Linnaeus).--This brilliantly coloredhum- mer is rather uncommon. It was noted in brushy sectionsand occa- sionally in jungle. Polytmus guainumbi thaumantias(Linnaeus).---Seen on only four occasions,always in marshy areas. Amaziliafimbriata nigricauda(Elliot).--Common in the palm fringe, in brushycountry, and evenin the parksof Recife;occasional in jungle. Also commonin the Sao Caetano region. One was observedfeeding young on October 1, 1945.

A•,C•DINmA•. Kingfishers Ceryletorquata torquata (Linnaeus).--Seen on an averageof about eight times a year, usually in the larger swamps--possiblyoften the Vol.1948 J LAMM,Birds of Pernambuco andParaiba, Brazil 271 samebirds. One was noted fishingon a reef about a half mile from shorein February, 1946. Chloroceryleamazona amazona (Latham).--Fairly common in the mangrove swamps and somewhat less so in fresh-water marshes and along streams. Also seen in the interior. Chlorocerfieamericana americana (Gmelin).--Fairly common in fresh-water marshes, and on lakes and ponds in the interior.

GALBVLmA•. Jacamars Galbula rufoviridisrufoviridis Cabanis.--Fairly commonin jungle and occasional in trees about cultivated areas.

BUCCONIDAI•. Puffbirds

Nystalus maculatusmaculatus (gmelin).--Common in trees in semi- open and brushy sections, frequently close to human habitations. Often noted on telegraph wires. It was rather common in parts of the interior. Chelidopteratenebrosa brasiliensis (Sclater).--A pair of these puffbirds lived closeto a stream on the road to Jo•o Pessoa,about 30 milesnorth of Recife. They were feedingfull-grown young on March 19, 1944. Apparently quite rare as none were observedelsewhere.

RAMPHASTIDAI•. Toucans

Pteroglossusaracari aracari (Linnaeus).--Found only in heavy jungle in the vicinity of Goiana, about 40 miles north of Recife. Although infrequently seen, their cry, which is much like an axe hitting a tree, but with a slightly more metallic ring, was often heard. Two specimens were collected on December 26, 1943. Pteroglossusinscriptus inscriptus Swainson.--Only noted on one occasion,when a male was taken on October 1, 1944, in medium second- growth jungle closeto Recife. PIClI)AI•. Woodpeckers Chrysoptilusmelanochloros juae Cory.--Common, but almost entirely confinedto the palm fringe. One was shot in north-central Pernambuco on October 16, 1945. Veniliornispasserinus taenionotus (Reichenbach).--Fairly common in the jungle and occasionalin the interior. Picumnus exilis pernambucensisZimmer.--Not common. Seentwice near Recife, once at the edge of the jungle and once in second-growth thickets near the ocean. One specimenwas collected. 272 LA•, Birdsof Pernambuco andParaiba, Brasil tAvril[Auk

DENDROCOLAPTIDAE. Woodhewers Lepido½olaptesfuseus atlanticus (Cory).--Found exclusively in heavy jungle near the coast where it is not uncommon. A male in breeding condition was shot November 12, 1944, and several other specimenswere collected. $ittasomusgriseicapillus reiseri Hellmayr.--Common in the jungle. A male with enlargedtestes was collectedJuly 9, 1944. Easily the commonestwoodhewer in this region. FURIqARXXDAE.Ovenbirds, Spine-tails, etc. Furnarius figulus figulus (Lichtenstein).--Common in all marshy sections. Nests were noted in April and May. A nest containing three eggswas examinedMay 28, 1944. The specieswas also noted in the interior. $ynallaxis frontalis frontalis Pelzeln.--Not uncommon in heavy jungle. One was taken in brushy country at the edgeof the Sert5o. Certhiaxis cinnamomeacearensis (Cory).--One was shot at S5o Caetano on October 15, 1945. Pseudoseisuracristata (Spix).--A commonand conspicuousspecies in the Sert5o,usually found in pairs. Their bulky nestsare a regular feature of the landscapein the interior. Automolus leucophthalmuslammi Zimmer.--Specimens were collectedin thick jungle at Dois Irmaos Park, Recife, on February 18 and August 12, 1945. Not seenon any other occasion. Xenops minutus (genibarbis?)Illiger.--Collected on three or four occasions,always in heavy jungle. Two malesshot on November 12, 1944, were in breedingcondition. Probably more commonthan these recordsindicate as it is vexy inconspicuous. FORMICARIIDAE. Ant-thrushes Taraba major stagurus (Lichtenstein).--Not common along the coast. A female was collectedin a brushy sectionjust south of Recife. Several males were noted in high bush country at S5o Caetano, where it is apparently more common. Thamnophilusdoliatus capistratus Lesson.--Apparently uncommon near the coast. An immature male was shot in denseundergrowth in a jungle sectionnear Recife. Fairly commonat S•o Caetano. Thamnophiluspalliatus palliatus (Lichtenstein).--Apparently not commonhere. Observedtwice at the edge of the jungle near Recife. Thamnophiluspunctatus pelzelni Hellmayr.--A male was taken on July 2, 1944, in low growth at the edge of the jungle south of Recife. Others were noted later in another jungle sectionnear the city. Vol.1048 05]J La•, Birdsof Pernambuco andParaiba, Brazil 273

Myromotherulaaxillaris luctuosaPelzeln.--A commonspecies in the jungle whereit is normallyfound in lower growth. Sometimespresent in mixed feeding flockswith Xenops and other insectivorusbirds. Myrmorchilusstrigilatus strigilatus (Wied).--A ground-hauntingant- bird which was almost certainly of this specieswas fairly commonin the densebrush at SiIo Caetano. Several specimenswere examined. It was not found along the coast. Formicivoragrisea grisea (Boddaert).--Rather common. Usually encounteredin the jungle, but occasionalalong the coast in thick ß brush. It was taken also at S5o Caetano. Pyriglenaleucono• pernambucensisZimmer.--Common in the thick jungle at Goiana, but only taken once in jungle sectionssouth of Recife. A ground species.

CONOPOPHAGIDAE. Gnat-eaters Conopophagalineaa (Wied).--Four fully-grown immature birds werefound in the jungle near Recifeon Apr/130, 1944. Severalothers were taken later in densejungle, but this gnat-eater is not common.

COTINOIDA•. Chatterers Xipholena atro-purpurea(Wied).--Several specimenswere collected in thick jungle at Goiana. This speciesis confinedto large jungle areas. Pinto (Caalogodas Aves do Brasil) wasof the opinionthat this cotinga was extinct in the northeast.

PIPRIDAE. Manakins PiPra erythrocephalarubrocapilla Temminck.--Fairly common in low densejungle. Chiroxiphiaparcola parcola (Linnaeus).--Common in low jungleat Goianaand fairly commonin similarareas south of Recife. Courtship dancingby this specieswas observed for abouthalf an houron January 22, 1945. Four males and one female were present, but two of the males were merely onlookers. The other two used a small horizontal branch about two feet above the ground. They perchedparallel to one another, and first one and then the other would jump about a foot in the air, beating his wings violently and uttering a purring note. Frequently they would jump over one another. When the female, which was silent throughout,alighted on a branch dose by, they usually deserted their perch and demonstrated on each side of her. When sheretreated they returned to the original branch. Finally she alighted on the perch and both faced her and danced violently. This occurredseveral times until onemale finally left (not visibly driven off) •74 LAMM,Birds of Pernambuco andParaiba, Bragil [April[Auk andthe f•male remained on the branch, posturing and hopping a little, while the male danced excitedly about her. Three or four times he darted to a twig about six feet away but returned immediately. They finally copulated twice in closesuccession, after which he flew off, but she remained for about a minute longer. All birds then desertedthe area, but a male returned shortly thereafter and began calling. Manacus manacusgutturosus (Desmarest).--Common in all jungle sections. Mating display was observedin early October. TYRAI•N•DAI•. Tyrant Flycatchers Fluvicolapica albiventer(Spix).--This flycatcheris unknown on the coast but is common in the interior, where it is found side by side with climazuraand apparently replacesleucocephala. Noted at S•o Caetano but no nearer to the littoral. At S•o Caetano it was outnumbered about five to one by dimazura. Whereas dimazura runs along the ground seekingits food, albiventeris inclined to perch on a twig close to the water and catch flies in the air. Fluvicolaclimazura climazura (Vieillot).--This ground flycatcher is the commonestbird about the streets and parks of Recife. It is also very common throughout the coastal zone, and moderately so in the interior. It is particularly partial to localities where there is water, and is confinedto suchsections in the Sert•o. A nest containing almost grown young was found on October 24, 1943. Another nest in process of construction was found in a swamp on April 23, 1944, and a nest with one egg on January 20, 1946. Nests were noted at heights vary- ing from twelve to three and one-half feet above the ground, and were always in the vicinity of water, usually at the end of a limb with the entrancefacing outward. They are coveredat the top, and are nor~ mally constructedof dried grasswith some cotton near the entrance, and are lined with feathers. A rundinicola leucocephala(Linnaeus).--Very common in marshy sectionsbut apparently confinedto the coast. A nest containing two eggswas found on November 14, 1943. Numerous nests were under constructionduring the latter part of April, 1944, and a nest visited May 28, 1944, contained three eggs. The nests are to be found in bushesin the swamps,usually not over four feet above the ground. No attempt is made to concealthem, and they are invariably very conspicuous. The nestsare very well made, and are roofed, with the entrance at the side. They measureabout four incheshigh, and about three wide, and are constructed principally of dried grass. The chamber is thickly lined with soft substances,usually some type of down. Vol,1948 65'[/ LAi•i•,Birds of Pernambuco andParaiba, Brazil 9.75

Musci,ora tyrannus tyrannus (Linnaeus).--Although the Fork- tailed Flycatcher is common farther north, it is rare in Pernambuco and Paraiba. One was seen January 13, 1946, at Goiana and another at Recife, February 23, 1946, both in brushy areas. These birds are believedto be migrants. Tyrannus melancholicusdespotes (Lichtenstein).--Abundant in brushy and semi-openlocalities where it is frequently noted on telegraph wires. It is present even in the driest parts of the Sert•o, but is much less common in the interior. Empidonomus,arius ,arius (Vieillot).--Occasionalin semi-openand brushy country, usually in small flocks. Megarhynchuspitangua pitangua (Linnaeus).--Seen on severalocca- sionsin the jungle at Goiana. It is immediately distinguishablefrom the preceding speciesby its note. Myiozetetessireills pallidiventris Pinto.--Common in semi-open country and marshy sections. A nest discoveredon February 27, 1944, had just been completed. Another, containingfour eggs,was found on April 23, 1943. Pitangussulphuratus maximiliani (Cabanisand Heine).--This large, noisy flycatcher is found most commonly in the palm fringe and somewhatless frequently in semi-openareas, and was observedat Paros, Paraiba, and in other parts of the interior. It was also noted on the reef about 100 yards offshore,feeding on marine life. Nests containingeggs have been found during March and April. Four eggs appear to comprisea normal clutch. A typical nest, found March 7 in a caju tree was close to the end of a limb, about fifteen feet above the ground. The entrancewas on the side away from the trunk. It was ten inches in diameter, and was composedof twigs, dead vines, and a few pieces of paper. It contained two eggs and two freshly hatched young. Cnemotriccusfuscatus bimaculatus (Lafresnaye and d'Orbigny).-- Uncommon. My only record is of a female with ovaries slightly en- largedwhich was shot in densejungle just southof Recife on February 4, 1945. Myiobius atricaudus snethlagei Hellmayr.--Not very common. Noted once at Goiana and several times south of Recife, always in fairly heavy jungle. Myiophobusfasciatus fiammiceps (Temminck).--Noted on several occasionsin an overgrown pasture. An immature bird was taken in low jungle on October 1, 1944. Hirundinea bellicosabellicosa (Vieillot).--One was shot and several were seen at Triunfo, Pernambuco, about 150 miles inland and closeto the Paraiba border at an altitude of about 4,000 feet. 276 LAMM,Birds ofPernambuco andParaiba, Brazil [AuktAprU

Platyrinchus rnystaceusrnystaceus Vieillot.mRare. Several were seen and one was collected in jungle undergrowth at Dois Irm•os ßPark, Recife, on June 10, 1945. Tolrnornyiasfiaviventris fiaviventris (Wied).--A small, olive-backed flycatcher. Common in the jungle. A male shot on October 22, 1944, was in breeding condition. Todirostrurncinereurn cearae Cory.--A commonspecies in semi-open country, where it showsa strong affinity for caju trees. A nest under constructionwas noted about thirty feet abovethe groundon April 30, 1944. The specieswas found also in the high bush country at S/io Caetano. Euscarthrnornisrnargaritaceiventer wuchereri (Sclater and Salvin).-- This tiny flycatcherwas only noted in densethickets along the coast,• where, owing to its excessiveshyness, it may be more common than my records indicate. Specimenswere securedon October 29, 1944, and May 27, 1945. Euscarthrnorniszosterops naurnburgae Zimmer.--A common jungle species,very sedentaryin its habits. A male with testesenlarged was collectedNovember 12, 1944. A flycatcher apparently of this species was shot at Custodia (central Pernambuco) in October, 1945. Elaenia cristata Pelzeln.--Common in brushy country along the coast. Myiopagis viridicata viridicata (Vieillot).mA fairly common,sedentary jungle species. A male with testes enlarged was collected on November 12, 1944.

HIRUNDINIDAE. Swallows Prognechalybea domesfica (Vieillot).--Fairly commonabout Recife, where the birds frequently roost on the tops of the city buildings. Commonin all towns in the interior. This spedeswas noted gathering nestingmaterial at Equador, Rio Grande do Norte (in the Sertio), on February 13, 1944. Phaeoprognetapera •pera (Linnaeus).--Common about the city, in the palm fringe and in semi-open country. Also noted at Patos, Paraiba. Stdgidopteryxruficollis ruficollis (Vieillot).--Only encounteredonce when a flock was found and one spedmen collected in the jungle at Goiana on June 3, 1944. The birds were all perchedin a large dead tree. Hirundo rustica erythrogasterBoddaert.--The Barn Swallow is a commonwinter resident,usually in the vicinity of marshes. The first arrivals appear about the middle of September,and the flocksbegin to Vol.10as 651J LAMM,Birds of Pernambuco andParaiba, Brasil 277 gather for their northward migration about the middle of February. The latest recordedspring date is March 19, 1944. Iridoprocnealbiventer (Boddaert).--Common about the swampsand rivers. One pair nestedin the caves of the barracks at the airfield in September, 1944. Also noted at Paros, Paraiba.

CORVmA•. Crows and Jays Cyanocoraxcyanopogon (Wied).--These handsomejays are confined to the interior wherethey are usuallyfound in smallbands. They are fairly commonin the lower foothillsnear Flores, Pernambuco,close to the Paraiba border, and were also noted at a lower elevation between Patos and Pombal in Paraiba. They are very noisy, uttering a flute- like, rather musical note resembling one of their vernacular names, pion-pion. TROGLODYTIDAE. Wrens Thryothoruslongirostris bahiae (Hellmayr).--Fairly common in thick brush at S&o Caetano. Thryothorusgenibarbis genibarbis Swainson.--Common in the jungle, where, although rarely seen, its loud, liquid notes are often heard. Troglodytesmusculus musculus Naumann.--This familiar speciesis fairly common in the vicinity of housesand along the palm fringe. Also observedin the Sert&o. One was feedingyoung still in the nest at S•o Lorenzo, March 3, 1946. MXMIDAE. Mockingbirds Mimus gilvus antelius Oberholser.--Confined to the littoral, where it is relatively commonin the scrub just back of the beach. Mimus saturninusfrater Hellmayr.--This mockingbirdis abundant in the dry interior, usually in small flocks. Donacobiusatricapillus atricapillus (Linnaeus).--Fairly commonin the marshy sectionssouth of Recife, provided there is sufficientbrush to afford adequate cover.

TVRD•DA•:. Thrushes Turdus leucomelasalbiventer Spix.--One specimencollected in the jungle near Recifewas of this species. Thrushesare frequentlyheard in deep jungle, and this bird may be fairly common. Turdus rufiventrisjuensis (Cory).--Much shyer than the American Robin, which it stronglyresembles. Usually found in mediumjungle, but not uncommonwherever large deciduoustrees are available for cover. Seenoccasionally in parks in the city. Severalwere noted at Paros, October, 1945. 278 LA•v•,Birds of Pernambuco andParaiba, Brazil [AuktApril

SYLVIIDAE. Warblers, Gnatcatchers, etc. Polioptila plumbeaatricapilla (Swainson).--One pair was found in an overgrown pasture near Recife. Not common in the coastalzone, but a typical and abundant speciesin the Sert•o. Ramphocaenusmelanurus melanurus Vieillot.--One was collectedout of the treetops in densejungle at Goiana on March 19, 1944.

MOTACXLLIDAe. Pipits Antbus lutescenslutescens Pucheran.--Common in suitable open and somewhat marshy habitats. Often seen on the field at the airport.

C¾CI,ARHmA•. Pepper-shrikes Cyclarhisgujanensis cearensis Baird.--A very common species,but it usually sticks closeto densefoliage, and would often be missedex- cept for its constant and distinctive singing. Also noted in the interior at Paros and S•o Caetano.

VIRE ONIDAE. Vireos Vireo virescens½hivi (Vieillot).--A male with testesgreatly enlarged was taken on April 2, 1944, and another specimencollected in jungle on October 8, 1944. Vireos are fairly commonin the jungle, but usually escapenotice except during mating seasonwhen the song is much in evidence. tlylophilus poicilotis amaurocephalus(Nordmann).--This species was common in the high brush country at S•o Caetano, about 100 milesinland, in April, 1946. They were usuallyfound in small groups and frequented low bushes.

Co•R•mI)X•. Honey-creepers Coerebaluteola chloropyga (Cabanis).--Abundant, particularly in the palm fringe, but also found in jungle. Common in the city parks. Apparently rather rare at S•o Caetano. Nesting takes place throughout the dry seasonin the coastal zone, but is particularly noticeable in March and April. However, one nest with three young was noted on November 2, 1946. It has been observedthat this speciesfrequently builds in closeproximity to hornets' nests. The nestsare usually not more than ten feet above the ground, and are often in caju trees, but are sometimesin the cavesof houses. They are constructedof twigs, and usually lined with palm fiber. On April 7, 1944, nest building operationswere observedfor several hours. Apparently only one bird was working, although another, probably the male, was heard singing Vol.1948 65]J I,AMM,Birds of Pernambuco andParaiba, Brazil 279 at frequentintervals near by. Onone occasion, sixtrips were mad• to the nestin sevenminutes, and later seventrips in 13 minutes. The bird was lining the nest, and remainedwithin for periodsusually not exceedingfive seconds,but did not emergefor 27 secondsin one case. There wereintervals up to half an hour when no work was doneon the nest. Dacnis cayana paraguayensisChubb.--Fairly common in second- growth as well as in the jungle tree tops. Occasionalin the palm fringe. Cyanerpescyaneus cyaneus (Linnaeus).--Moderately common,usually high up in jungle trees, but sometimesfound in lightly wooded sections. Chlorophanesspiza axillaris Zimmer.--Apparently rare. One sight record is from a jungle near Amaraji, about 60 miles southwestof Recife on February 23, 1946.

P,•RU•ID,•. Wood Warblers Parula pitiayumi pitiayumi (Vieillot).--A singingmale was collected in thick brush at Sf[o Caetano. Basileuterusfiaveolus (Baird).--This ground-haunting warbler is commonin the jungle. A female simulating a broken wing was noted on November 12, 1944, and a male with testes enlarged was shot the sameday. This speciesis absolutelyfearless and will approachwithin a few feet if the observer remains motionless. •eothlypisaequinoctialis (velata?) (Vieillot).--Rare. A malewas shot on August 29, 1943, in a low bush at the edgeof a swampnear the airport. No others were seenin spite of extensiveswamp work. IC•RIDA•. Troupials, Hangnests Cacicuscela cela (Linnaeus).--A very commonspecies in the palm fringe. Nesting colonieswere found in the palms from the middle of November to the middle of January. Also common about caju trees a little farther inland. Molothrusbonariensis bonariensis (Gmelin).--Flocks of this cowbird are not uncommonin open pasture land near Recife. Also noted in the interior of Paraiba between Jo•o Pessoaand Campina Grande. Molothrus rufo-axillaris Cassin.--Three ScreamingCowbirds were noted in a flock of about 40 bonariensisin a pasture near Retire on October 22, 1944, and one of them, a female, was collected. Dr. Friedmann, in a letter to the writer regarding this bird, stated that "this constitutesa very remarkable extensionof range. This species was not known previouslynorth of extreme southeasternBrazil. In 280 •.•,,•, Birdsof Pernambuco andParaiba, Brazil tAoril['Auk view of the fact that farther south this speciesis parasitic almost exclusively on Molothrus badius, it is of interest to find that its range extends northward to include that of M. b. fringillarius." It is not yet known, however, whether it parasitizesthe latter form in eastern Brazil. Molothrus badiusfringillarius (Spix).--A specimenwas obtained from a flock of about 20 birds in brush country 40 miles southwestof Recife on June 18, 1944. Icteruscayanensis tibialis Swainson.--This commonspecies is found almost exclusively in the palm fringe. Several were seen in a small wood between Patos and Pombal in western Paraiba. Icterusjamacaii (Gmelin).--One was seenin a large tree at the edge of a pasture close to Retire. This species,although rare near the coast,is a fairly commonand conspicuousbird in the arid interior. Agelaius ruficapillusfrontalisVieillot.--A colony of theseblackbirds consistingof about 30 individualswas presentthroughout the year in a small fresh-watermarsh near Recife. The first eggswere found on April 23, 1944. Nests containingeggs and newly hatchedyoung, and birds just out of the nest, were noted on May 28. The nestswere attached to reeds, and were only about one and a half feet above the water. They were made of rushes,bound together and lined with rootlets. A clutch usually consisted of three eggs. Gnorimopsarchopi sulcirostris(Spix).--One of these grackles was observed in medium heavy woods about 25 miles north of the Sao Francisco river in south-central Pernambuco. Apparently not found in the littoral. Leistes militaris superciliaris (Bonaparte).--Common, usually in flocks in open fields, savannahsand damp meadows. Also observed at Patos and S•o Caetano.

THRAUPIDAE. Tanagers Tanagra violaceaaurantii½ollis (Bertoni).--A jungle specieswhich is fairly common. It is almostalways associated in mixedflocks with other small tanagers and honey-creepers. Tanagrellavelia cyanomelaena(Wied).--Rare. One was shot out of a flock of honey-creepersin heavy jungle at Goiana on March 19, 1944. Tangarafastuosa(Lesson).--This handsome little speciesis not very common about Recife. It was found under the same conditions as Tanagra violatea. Tangara cyanocephaluscorallina (Berlepsch).--Occasional in brushy country, although it is believedto be more commonthan my records indicate. A female observedon June 20, 1943, was feeding several Vol.1948 651J LAMM,Birds of Pernambuco andParaiba, Brazil 281 almost full-grown young. Also noted in jungle at Amaraji, about 60 miles southwest of Recife. Tangara cayanatiara (Gmelin).--A very commonspedes which is found almost exclusivelyin brushy sections. Thraupis sayacasayaca (Linnaeus).--This is the only spedesof the family normally found in the parks in the center of the city. It is frequently present in brushy areas closeto the' coast, and seemsto show a preferencefor the vicinity of human habitations. One was collected at S•o Caetano. Thraupispalmarum palmarum (Wied).MA fairly commonspedes in the palm fringe. One was shot in medium jungle. Two fully fledged young were found in a nest in a palm tree in December, 1945. Ramphocelusbr½silius bresilius (Linnaeus).--This strikingtanager is not uncommonin low marshy jungle. ttabia rubicabahiae Hellmayr.--One was shot at Dois Irm•os Park, Reeife, in heavy jungle, June 10, 1945. Dr. John T. Zimmer, in a letter to Dr. Herbert Friedmann, dated April 17, 1947, made the following commentsregarding this spedmen. "I cannot match it exactly in our series. It is a young male and from its black bill and large size must be referred to bahia½unless it belongsto an unknown new form. It hasnever been recorded from the neighborhoodof Reeifeor any- Wherenorth of Bahia so there is nothing on record to give a clue. I should not be surprisedif it were simply the Bahian subspeciesfrom a new northern locality." Tachyphonusrufus (Boddaert).--Very commonin brushyand cultivated sectionsbut only occasionalin low jungle. Also found at S•to Caetano. Tachyphonuscristatus brunneus (Spix).--A relatively commonbird in the dense jungle at Goiana, where it is usually found in lower growth. It was not observedelsewhere. Thlypopsis sordida sordida (Lafresnaye and d'Orbigny).--This speciesis fairly commonin brushy country and somewhatrarer in low jungle. Schistochlamysmelanopis olivina (Sclater).--Rather commonin bush sections,where it showsa definite tendencyto frequent the semi-arid slopeswhich other birds appear to shun.

FgZNOZLLIDA•.Finches, Buntings, etc. Saltatormaximus maximus (P. L. S. M/iller).--Rather commonin all jungle sectionsand occasionalin semi-opencountry. Caryothraustescanadcnsis frontalis (Hellmayr).--This bird has been found on only one occasionwhen a spedmen was collectedin lower growth in a densejungle sectionat Goiana. _Paroariadominicana (Linnaeus).--The Brazilian Cardinal is very common near Recife in the brush and in semi-openpasture land, somewhat less so in the palm fringe. This bird is abundant in the dry Sertao, and is the most conspicuousspecies there with the exception of the ground doves. Cyanocompsacyanea cyanea (Linnaeus).--Not a common species. Usually noted in brhshy regionsbetween the coastal belt and the Sertao. It was taken at Sao Caetano. $permophilaalbogularis (Spix).--This seedeaterwas noted at Sao Lorenzo and was common in flocks at Sao Caetano. Spermophilaleucoptera cinereola (Temminck).--Fairly common in brushy country. Also found in savannahand on sugar-caneplanta- tions. Spermophilanigricollis nigricollis (Vieillot).--A commonspecies in overgrownpastures and cultivated areas. A nest with three eggswas found in a small pine tree closeto the beach in March, 1946. Spermophila lineola (Linnaeus).--A specimen was collected in a bushy sectionabout 15 miles south of Recife on April 2, 1944. Four or five individualswere noted in a bushy marsh on February 4, 1945. Large numbersof these birds appear in the local pet store about this time of year, and it is consideredpossible that the speciesis migratory. Spermophilabouvreuil bouvreuil (P. L. S. M/iller).--A very common speciesin semi-opencountry. Large flocks gather to feed in the reed beds during the dry season. Oryzoborusangolensis angolensis (Linnaeus).--This little finch is fairly commonin second-growthjungle and thick brushy sections,but it often escapesnotice. During the breeding season,in early Decem- ber, singingmales can be heard throughout all suitable areas. Volatinia jacarina jacarina (Linnaeus).--Fairly common in open fields. A few were noted at S•o Caetano. Spinus yarrelli (Gmelin).--A pair was seenin a cultivated section close to the city, and a male about 50 miles south of Recife. Also noted at S•o Caetano. Sicalisfiaveolabrasiliensis (Gmelin).--Abundant in overgrown'pas- tures and cultivated areasabout Recife, and commonin the city parks. Also commonin the Sert•o. It is very popularlocally as a cagebird. Coryphospinguspileatus pileatus (Wied).--Not found along the coast,but very commonin small flocksthroughout the Sert•o. Arremon taciturnis taciturnis (Hermann).--Not common. A shy ground-haunting sparrow found only in the undergrowth in thick jungle. Vol.19a8 65]I LAMM,Birds of Pernambuco andParaiba, Brazil 283

Myiospiza humerails humerails (Bose).--This rather inconspicuous speciesis usually found in grassysections at the edgeof marshesand in damp meadows. Two nestscontaining two eggseach were found on the ground in the latter type of situation on April 18 and October 15, 1944. The nestswere in little clumpsof grass,were constructedof dried grasses,and measuredsix by seven centimetersacross. Zonotrichia capensismatutina (Lichtenstein).--This familiar Bra- zilian sparrow is absent from the coastal regions but is very common at Sao Caetano. It was noted also in western Paraiba. Emberizoidesherbicola herbicola (Vieillot).--A common specieswhich is found exclusively in marshy sections. Two nests were found on September 17, 1944, one containingtwo eggs,and the other two young about six days old. The nests were fairly well woven and made of dried grasses. They were securely tied to thick tussocksof dried grassesand were about a foot above the ground. State Department Washington,D.C.